Senate’s Sober Second Thought

Since the Senate is supposed to provide Canadians with “sober second thought,” it was enlightening to find there were senators, according to the December 3, 2008 Hansard records, who are willing to investigate Canada’s current political unease; however, concurrently, counterproductive partisan elements were apparent, calling into question the Upper House’s ability to impartially and effectively settle political issues.

Hopefully, despite the partisan bickering, the Senate will use its power to investigate the major political issues facing Canadians: safe-guarding democracy(perceived and actual), national unity, and eventually improving political discourse.

Although, unlike in the United States, Canadian senators are not elected, and their role in government is questioned as a result, there is currently an enormous opportunity for them to provide a detailed study of the controversial political issues facing us.

As in the past, where the Senate explored issues such as poverty, free trade, children’s rights and unemployment via special committees, it needs to investigate and report to the Canadian people on the state of democracy in this country since it is in dispute, providing solid ground for our next steps in resolving the current disconnect.

There are various types of Senate committees which can take on the current political conflicts. Senate Ad Hoc Committees are usually temporary set-ups meant to deal with pressing matters, whereas Joint Committees are formed in partnership with the House of Commons for limited timeframes or longer terms, which are usually called Standing Joint Committees. Standing Committees are ongoing and specialize in various areas such as foreign affairs, and Aboriginal Issues. Also, the Committee of the Whole, which is the largest within the Senate, includes all senators. It convenes for special purposes, for example, hearings and debates.

Last week several Senators called the current political situation to the attention of the Senate for urgent consideration via Notices of Inquiry, including the Hon. James S. Cowan, Hon. claudette Tardiff, Hon. Joan Fraser, and Hon. Tommy Banks. Below are their statements on the issues as recorded in the Hansard.

Having raised the issues of the Confidence Motion, the role of the opposition, trust in our political leaders and respect for the parliamentary system of government, hopefully the Senate will work quickly to address the troubling political issues causing Canada to seem unstable in the eyes of Canadians and foreigners, for it threatens our future and highlights our inability to learn the benefits of compromise to enhance our shared experiences. We must practice what we preach.

Confidence Motion-Notice of InquiryHon. James S. Cowan (Leader of the Opposition):

Honourable senators, pursuant to rule 57(2), I give notice that, two days hence:

I will draw the attention of the Senate to the regrettable state of politics in Canada, where Canadians are becoming increasingly embarrassed that they have a Prime Minister who is afraid to seek the confidence of the elected House of Parliament, because he knows that the members of that House have no confidence in him or his inept government.

Honourable senators, pursuant to rule 57(2), I give notice that two days hence:

I will call the attention of the Senate to the regrettable state of politics in Canada, where Canadians are becoming increasingly concerned that they have a Prime Minister who refuses to honour longstanding parliamentary traditions by not recognizing the role of members of the other place, who were democratically elected by Canadians in every region of the country, to hold the government to account and bring forward the best government for all Canadians.

Fundamental Rights of Canadians-Notice of InquiryHon. Joan Fraser:

Honourable senators, I give notice that, pursuant to rule 57(2), two days hence:

I shall call the attention of the Senate to the regrettable state of politics in Canada, where Canadians are distressed by the fact that the current government displays consistent contempt for the fundamental rights of Canadians.

Prime Minister-Notice of InquiryHon. Tommy Banks:

Honourable senators, pursuant to rule 57(2), I give notice that, two days hence:

I will call the attention of the Senate to the regrettable state of politics in Canada, where Canadians are becoming increasingly concerned that they might have a Prime Minister whose words they cannot trust or believe.